66. Three Women
Before Veronica could even respond, Kalista came into the room. She looked at the tea table and let out a sharp laugh.
“You still have no manners, coming in without the owner’s permission.”
Unlike Daphne, who was surprised, Veronica was indifferent. Rather, she found it amusing that the corners of her mouth were raised. There was a clear difference between Kalista, who exploded with anger, and Veronica, who was calm.
Kalista screamed, her face red with anger.
“You’re the one who has no manners!”
When Kalista pushed the table roughly, the teacups overturned. The sweet scent of fruit tea spread everywhere. Daphne watched the confrontation between the two, not knowing what to do. Kalista gritted her teeth and shouted at Veronica.
“How dare you, a guest, not even greet the mistress of the palace?!”
“Mistress? What are you talking about?”
Veronica blinked in confusion. Her expression was so natural that Daphne thought she didn't really understand what Kalista was saying.
“The palace is empty. Why would Lady Kalista want to act as the hostess...”
"You!"
“You said you were the late Emperor’s wife? I guess the laws of the Kingdom of Thalassa and the Empire of Peneus are different, Lady Kalista.”
She smiled and spoke softly.
“Isn’t it difficult to call it a marital relationship when you haven’t even slept together? Has it been a year since you’ve been with His Majesty the Emperor?”
Veronica sighed as she picked up her teacup and saw that it was overflowing. Her brow furrowed.
“Lissian, what are you doing instead of cleaning up this dirty stuff?”
The voice was still noble. The maids quickly approached and removed the teacups.
In that chaotic atmosphere, Kalista's face turned even redder. She turned her gaze to Daphne, who was sitting on the thorn bed. In an instant, Kalista's eyes flashed with shame and murderous intent.
When Daphne flinched, Kalista hid it and screamed.
“Everything that woman says is a lie!”
“...”
“A man you love? There’s no such thing! If you take the position of Empress, you’ll be eliminated immediately.”
"Ha."
Veronica sighed. Kalista stamped her foot.
“How many times do you hit the back of the head of people around you with a nice face!”
It was the face of someone who had already been hurt. This confrontation between women of noble blood was also a first for Daphne. It was like watching Amanda and Sarah fight on rare occasions.
Their fight was no different.
To Daphne, they both looked pitiful. It was not much different from a war of nerves between noble people.
When Asherad heard the report, he burst into laughter. He was usually quiet when he laughed, so this was like a surprise attack.
“So, those two fought?”
"Yes."
Ioannis also chuckled.
“Asherad, is that really funny?”
“I didn’t know that. Who knew those two were enemies?”
Asherad stopped laughing and smiled.
“Actually, I kind of expected it.”
“It was a gamble.”
Asherad answered. Even though there was a high possibility that the two people from the same homeland would meet and unite, they so naturally chose to split.
“What are you thinking, Asherad?”
Asherad did not respond to Ioannis’ words. After all, he was the Emperor, and he had to lead this country, this empire. It was a position he had longed for, so it was only natural that he should firmly hold onto it.
“So what did she say?”
Asherad still did not call her 'Daphne'. His voice, which had been smiling brightly, seemed to have become hushed.
Unlike before, when he was just talking nonchalantly, Ioannis felt that he was concentrating all his energy on that one question.
“Miss Daphne is back on the road and resting. She looks very surprised.”
“Because she's scared.”
A smile appeared on his lips as he spoke. Ioannis looked at his face.
A satisfied, or more precisely, a 'happy' face, a full face. A fresh and beautiful face, as if spring has arrived.
The fresh vitality took hold of the doll-like face of the man.
“It looks good.”
It was a remark that came out without thinking. Ioannis confirmed it with a questioning look.
“You look happy these days.”
“Is that so?”
Asherad looked incredulous.
“But, are you really going to get married?”
"Marriage?"
“You insisted on meeting the Empress at the ball and brought Princess Thalassa with you, causing many complaints from the nobles. Why did you do something like that?”
Asherad just snickered. Ioannis moved on, wondering what Asherad meant.
Not knowing that it was in such a horrible shape.
Daphne sighed and closed the black box that had been given to her.
Inside the box were white pearl earrings. The platinum pearls were wrapped around each other like snakes, and each gap had a small diamond in it. It was a gift from Veronica.
It was a luxury item that was immediately apparent. She looked at the red box already placed on the table. The intense blood-red garnet necklace was also something she could never have dreamed of in her life. The deep-colored drop-shaped gem earrings looked like blood.
Naturally, this was a gift from Kalista.
Sarah and Amanda looked at each other.
“So, Daphne, who do you want to choose?”
The conflict between Kalista and Veronica was famous. Veronica acted as if she were the next Empress, and Asherad condoned her actions.
Although Asherad did not meet Veronica separately and acted properly, he was the first to invite her to the palace and sit with her. The meaning behind this was quite symbolic.
Everyone in the palace began to think that Kalista was the setting sun and Veronica was the rising sun.
Veronica very affectionately accepted those who had left Kalista's embrace. Unlike the cruel Kalista, Veronica's affection was quite well-received within the palace.
“Do I have to choose?”
"Of course!"
Amanda shouted at Daphne's words.
Amanda was the one who realized that it was quite comfortable to become Daphne's personal maid.
She'd have friends, easy work, and a lot of money to make. As Daphne had expected, Amanda became the person who wanted Daphne's position more than anything else.
“It’s really exciting. The Empress Dowager and the Empress Candidate are trying to win you over!”
“I understand why Princess Thalassa wants to win me over, but why the Empress Dowager?”
Daphne didn't understand the workings of the palace. Wasn't Kalista the one who had been ignoring and trampling on Daphne all this time? But why all of a sudden...
“They want to win over Miss Daphne and prevent you from becoming Empress.”
Daphne turned her head at the sudden sound of a man's voice. It was Ioannis. Ioannis nodded, and Sarah and Amanda left the room.
“It’s been a while. I haven’t been able to escort you lately.”
“No, my lord.”
Daphne smiled broadly. Although he was from Asherad, Ioannis was not particularly hostile to Daphne. He was a simple man with no other ambiguities. As the time spent with Ioannis increased, Daphne began to open up to him.
Strangely enough, Asherad didn't seem to mind getting close to Ioannis. Does that mean he trusts him?
“What did you mean by that earlier?”
“Normally, the two would have joined forces to drive out the thorn in their side, Miss Daphne, but unfortunately, their relationship is not very good.”
Ioannis said to them cynically, laughing at them.
“Princess Thalassa wants to become Empress, and the Empress Dowager wants to prevent her from becoming Empress.”
“But why me?”
“Because you are loved by His Majesty. Your influence is considered most important. In fact, the Empress has not been decided yet, and His Majesty’s attitude is uncertain and ambiguous, so a big move is needed.”
So, should Daphne empower someone? Could she do it herself?
“Ah... Then what should I do?”
“Do whatever you want. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to enjoy this situation.”
“...”
“Both of them are known for their arrogance. The Empress Dowager’s rudeness towards Lady Daphne in particular will not be forgotten. Watch them struggle to please you.”
Isn't he also a nobleman? Why is he being so sly? Ioannis snickered at the puzzled expression.
“Do I have to choose someone?”
“You may choose, or you may not. His Majesty will be behind you.”
Asherad. Daphne held onto the hem of her dress. Oddly enough, she felt relieved that he was behind her. Sadly, she was.
“It’s really tiring here.”
Daphne smiled sadly. She cleaned and did laundry while keeping an eye on the people above her. But she had never thought of such complicated things.
If she does something, there will be a huge price to pay.
Whoever she chooses, who will become her enemy, or maybe both of them will become enemies. She wants to run away quickly. When will there be an opening? When will she be able to run away? Daphne drew those distant years.
At that moment, Ioannis, who was watching that face, said.
“Oh, by the way, Miss Daphne. Are you thinking of submitting your painting to the art festival?”
Before Veronica could even respond, Kalista came into the room. She looked at the tea table and let out a sharp laugh.
“You still have no manners, coming in without the owner’s permission.”
Unlike Daphne, who was surprised, Veronica was indifferent. Rather, she found it amusing that the corners of her mouth were raised. There was a clear difference between Kalista, who exploded with anger, and Veronica, who was calm.
Kalista screamed, her face red with anger.
“You’re the one who has no manners!”
When Kalista pushed the table roughly, the teacups overturned. The sweet scent of fruit tea spread everywhere. Daphne watched the confrontation between the two, not knowing what to do. Kalista gritted her teeth and shouted at Veronica.
“How dare you, a guest, not even greet the mistress of the palace?!”
“Mistress? What are you talking about?”
Veronica blinked in confusion. Her expression was so natural that Daphne thought she didn't really understand what Kalista was saying.
“The palace is empty. Why would Lady Kalista want to act as the hostess...”
"You!"
“You said you were the late Emperor’s wife? I guess the laws of the Kingdom of Thalassa and the Empire of Peneus are different, Lady Kalista.”
She smiled and spoke softly.
“Isn’t it difficult to call it a marital relationship when you haven’t even slept together? Has it been a year since you’ve been with His Majesty the Emperor?”
Veronica sighed as she picked up her teacup and saw that it was overflowing. Her brow furrowed.
“Lissian, what are you doing instead of cleaning up this dirty stuff?”
The voice was still noble. The maids quickly approached and removed the teacups.
In that chaotic atmosphere, Kalista's face turned even redder. She turned her gaze to Daphne, who was sitting on the thorn bed. In an instant, Kalista's eyes flashed with shame and murderous intent.
When Daphne flinched, Kalista hid it and screamed.
“Everything that woman says is a lie!”
“...”
“A man you love? There’s no such thing! If you take the position of Empress, you’ll be eliminated immediately.”
"Ha."
Veronica sighed. Kalista stamped her foot.
“How many times do you hit the back of the head of people around you with a nice face!”
It was the face of someone who had already been hurt. This confrontation between women of noble blood was also a first for Daphne. It was like watching Amanda and Sarah fight on rare occasions.
Their fight was no different.
To Daphne, they both looked pitiful. It was not much different from a war of nerves between noble people.
***
When Asherad heard the report, he burst into laughter. He was usually quiet when he laughed, so this was like a surprise attack.
“So, those two fought?”
"Yes."
Ioannis also chuckled.
“Asherad, is that really funny?”
“I didn’t know that. Who knew those two were enemies?”
Asherad stopped laughing and smiled.
“Actually, I kind of expected it.”
“It was a gamble.”
Asherad answered. Even though there was a high possibility that the two people from the same homeland would meet and unite, they so naturally chose to split.
“What are you thinking, Asherad?”
Asherad did not respond to Ioannis’ words. After all, he was the Emperor, and he had to lead this country, this empire. It was a position he had longed for, so it was only natural that he should firmly hold onto it.
“So what did she say?”
Asherad still did not call her 'Daphne'. His voice, which had been smiling brightly, seemed to have become hushed.
Unlike before, when he was just talking nonchalantly, Ioannis felt that he was concentrating all his energy on that one question.
“Miss Daphne is back on the road and resting. She looks very surprised.”
“Because she's scared.”
A smile appeared on his lips as he spoke. Ioannis looked at his face.
A satisfied, or more precisely, a 'happy' face, a full face. A fresh and beautiful face, as if spring has arrived.
The fresh vitality took hold of the doll-like face of the man.
“It looks good.”
It was a remark that came out without thinking. Ioannis confirmed it with a questioning look.
“You look happy these days.”
“Is that so?”
Asherad looked incredulous.
“But, are you really going to get married?”
"Marriage?"
“You insisted on meeting the Empress at the ball and brought Princess Thalassa with you, causing many complaints from the nobles. Why did you do something like that?”
Asherad just snickered. Ioannis moved on, wondering what Asherad meant.
Not knowing that it was in such a horrible shape.
***
Daphne sighed and closed the black box that had been given to her.
Inside the box were white pearl earrings. The platinum pearls were wrapped around each other like snakes, and each gap had a small diamond in it. It was a gift from Veronica.
It was a luxury item that was immediately apparent. She looked at the red box already placed on the table. The intense blood-red garnet necklace was also something she could never have dreamed of in her life. The deep-colored drop-shaped gem earrings looked like blood.
Naturally, this was a gift from Kalista.
Sarah and Amanda looked at each other.
“So, Daphne, who do you want to choose?”
The conflict between Kalista and Veronica was famous. Veronica acted as if she were the next Empress, and Asherad condoned her actions.
Although Asherad did not meet Veronica separately and acted properly, he was the first to invite her to the palace and sit with her. The meaning behind this was quite symbolic.
Everyone in the palace began to think that Kalista was the setting sun and Veronica was the rising sun.
Veronica very affectionately accepted those who had left Kalista's embrace. Unlike the cruel Kalista, Veronica's affection was quite well-received within the palace.
“Do I have to choose?”
"Of course!"
Amanda shouted at Daphne's words.
Amanda was the one who realized that it was quite comfortable to become Daphne's personal maid.
She'd have friends, easy work, and a lot of money to make. As Daphne had expected, Amanda became the person who wanted Daphne's position more than anything else.
“It’s really exciting. The Empress Dowager and the Empress Candidate are trying to win you over!”
“I understand why Princess Thalassa wants to win me over, but why the Empress Dowager?”
Daphne didn't understand the workings of the palace. Wasn't Kalista the one who had been ignoring and trampling on Daphne all this time? But why all of a sudden...
“They want to win over Miss Daphne and prevent you from becoming Empress.”
Daphne turned her head at the sudden sound of a man's voice. It was Ioannis. Ioannis nodded, and Sarah and Amanda left the room.
“It’s been a while. I haven’t been able to escort you lately.”
“No, my lord.”
Daphne smiled broadly. Although he was from Asherad, Ioannis was not particularly hostile to Daphne. He was a simple man with no other ambiguities. As the time spent with Ioannis increased, Daphne began to open up to him.
Strangely enough, Asherad didn't seem to mind getting close to Ioannis. Does that mean he trusts him?
“What did you mean by that earlier?”
“Normally, the two would have joined forces to drive out the thorn in their side, Miss Daphne, but unfortunately, their relationship is not very good.”
Ioannis said to them cynically, laughing at them.
“Princess Thalassa wants to become Empress, and the Empress Dowager wants to prevent her from becoming Empress.”
“But why me?”
“Because you are loved by His Majesty. Your influence is considered most important. In fact, the Empress has not been decided yet, and His Majesty’s attitude is uncertain and ambiguous, so a big move is needed.”
So, should Daphne empower someone? Could she do it herself?
“Ah... Then what should I do?”
“Do whatever you want. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to enjoy this situation.”
“...”
“Both of them are known for their arrogance. The Empress Dowager’s rudeness towards Lady Daphne in particular will not be forgotten. Watch them struggle to please you.”
Isn't he also a nobleman? Why is he being so sly? Ioannis snickered at the puzzled expression.
“Do I have to choose someone?”
“You may choose, or you may not. His Majesty will be behind you.”
Asherad. Daphne held onto the hem of her dress. Oddly enough, she felt relieved that he was behind her. Sadly, she was.
“It’s really tiring here.”
Daphne smiled sadly. She cleaned and did laundry while keeping an eye on the people above her. But she had never thought of such complicated things.
If she does something, there will be a huge price to pay.
Whoever she chooses, who will become her enemy, or maybe both of them will become enemies. She wants to run away quickly. When will there be an opening? When will she be able to run away? Daphne drew those distant years.
At that moment, Ioannis, who was watching that face, said.
“Oh, by the way, Miss Daphne. Are you thinking of submitting your painting to the art festival?”
Support Novellate!
Comments
Post a Comment